WKBL’s Highest-Earning Player: Park Ji-su Claims Top Salary Spot with 500 Million Won Contract
South Korea’s Women’s Korean Basketball League (WKBL) has seen a landmark moment in its salary structure, with 28-year-old center Park Ji-su of the Cheongju KB Stars securing the league’s highest annual contract at 500 million won ($400,000 USD). This figure, revealed as of the 2026–2027 season’s contract deadline on August 31, marks a significant milestone for women’s basketball in the country.
The Salary Landscape: 29 Players Earn Over 100 Million Won
According to the WKBL’s official salary disclosure, 29 players will earn 100 million won or more in the upcoming season, with Park Ji-su’s 500 million won contract standing as the highest. This contrasts sharply with the league’s 2022–2023 season, when the top salary was 350 million won. The increase reflects growing investment in women’s basketball, driven by rising fan engagement and sponsorships.
Top earners include:
- Park Ji-su (Cheongju KB Stars): 500 million won
- Kim So-hyun (Incheon ITX Steelers): 450 million won
- Lee Ji-hyun (Daejeon KDB Daegu Bank): 420 million won
How Park Ji-su Secured the Top Contract
Park’s historic deal comes after a decade of dominance in the WKBL. The 2.03-meter center has been a cornerstone of the Cheongju KB Stars since 2015, earning multiple All-Star selections and leading the league in rebounds for three consecutive seasons. Her performance in the 2024–2025 season, where she averaged 14.7 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, solidified her status as the league’s premier center.
“Park’s consistency and leadership on the court have made her an invaluable asset,” said Cheongju KB Stars coach Kim Tae-hoon. “This contract reflects not only her skills but also her role as a mentor to younger players.”
The deal also includes performance-based incentives tied to the team’s playoff success, a trend gaining traction in WKBL contracts. Park’s representatives confirmed the agreement was finalized in early July, with the league’s financial transparency guidelines ensuring all terms were publicly disclosed.
Context: The Evolution of Women’s Basketball Salaries
Women’s basketball salaries in South Korea have grown exponentially since the WKBL’s inception in 1998. In its first season, the league’s top salary was 30 million won. The 2026–2027 season’s figures highlight a 16-fold increase over 25 years, though they still lag behind the Japanese Women’s Super League (WBL), where top players earn up to 1.2 billion won annually.
League officials attribute the growth to increased TV broadcast rights and corporate sponsorships. The WKBL’s partnership with KBS Sports, which secured a 200 million won annual deal in 2023, has expanded viewership by 40% compared to the previous season.
Implications for the League and Players
The salary surge has sparked debates about competitive balance. Critics argue that wealthier teams like the Incheon ITX Steelers and Daejeon KDB Daegu Bank can outspend smaller clubs, potentially creating a “salary gap” that affects parity. However, league commissioner Kim Jong-ho defended the trend: “Investing in top talent is essential to elevate the league’s global profile. We’re competing with the WNBA and EuroLeague and Here’s a necessary step.”
For players, the financial boost offers greater stability. Park Ji-su’s contract, for example, includes a 50 million won signing bonus and health insurance coverage—a rarity in previous seasons. “This allows me to focus fully on training without financial stress,” Park said in a recent interview.
Global Comparisons and Future Outlook
While WKBL salaries remain below those of the WNBA (average $160,000 USD) and the EuroLeague (top earners make up to 1.5 million euros annually), the league’s trajectory mirrors that of other women’s sports. The 2026–2027 season’s salary data aligns with the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) push for gender equity in sports funding.
Looking ahead, the WKBL plans to introduce a salary cap in 2027–2028 to prevent excessive disparities. The league is also exploring partnerships with international broadcasters to further monetize its content, which could drive salaries even higher.
What’s Next for Park Ji-su and the WKBL?
Park Ji-su will begin her 2026–2027 season with the Cheongju KB Stars on October 15. The team, currently ranked third in the league, aims to challenge the dominant Incheon ITX Steelers, who have won the last four championships. Park’s performance will be closely watched, as her contract sets a new benchmark for future negotiations.
The WKBL’s next major event is the 2026 All-Star Game on January 20, where Park is expected to be a key participant. Fans can follow the league’s official website and social media channels for updates on contracts, schedules, and game highlights.
